It is difficult to say for certain how many states will ban menthol cigarettes, as the issue is still being debated. However, as of May 2023, there are currently five states that have banned menthol cigarettes: Massachusetts, California, New York, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. Additionally, there are at least 10 states that have introduced legislation that would ban menthol cigarettes, including Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.

There are a number of reasons why states are considering banning menthol cigarettes. One reason is that menthol cigarettes are disproportionately smoked by African Americans. In fact, African Americans are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. This is likely due to the fact that menthol cigarettes are often marketed to African Americans in a way that makes them seem more appealing. For example, menthol cigarettes are often advertised with images of African Americans, and they are often sold in stores that are located in predominantly African American communities.

Another reason why states are considering banning menthol cigarettes is that they are more addictive than non-menthol cigarettes. This is because the menthol in menthol cigarettes makes them smoother to smoke, which makes them easier to inhale. As a result, people who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to become addicted to nicotine than people who smoke non-menthol cigarettes.

Finally, states are considering banning menthol cigarettes because they are associated with a number of health problems. For example, menthol cigarettes are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. They are also linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in babies whose mothers smoke them during pregnancy.

For all of these reasons, it is likely that more states will ban menthol cigarettes in the future. This would be a positive step for public health, as it would help to reduce the number of people who smoke menthol cigarettes and the number of people who are harmed by smoking.